HomeMy WebLinkAbout405.013 - Inspectors Test Valves and Air VentsEffective Date: June 2006 Justin H. Beal, Fire Prevention Engineer
Current Revision Date: 1/31/2025 Section 405.013
Next Revision (1) Date: 1/31/2028 Page 1 of 3
Fresno City Fire Department
400 Prevention Manual
SECTION 405.013 INSPECTORS TEST VALVES & AIR VENTS
PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to clarify the Fresno Fire Department’s (FFD or
Department) requirements related to related to the design and installation of
inspector’s test valves and air vents for automatic fire sprinkler systems.
APPLICATION
This policy applies to all automatic fire sprinkler systems within the City of Fresno
(COF) and contract service areas and includes both required and voluntary systems.
OPERATIONAL POLICY
Based upon the need for uniformity in application across the Department’s diverse
service delivery area, and after careful deliberation, the Department has determined
that all, new automatic fire sprinkler systems shall conform to all of the following
requirements:
1. Every automatic fire sprinkler system is required to have an approved
inspector’s test valve/connection and air vent installed as noted in the
currently adopted version of National Fire Protection Association
(NFPA) 13 – Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems. Both the
test valve/connection and air vent must be shown on the construction
documents noted in the California Fire Code (CFC).
2. The inspector’s test valve must be located at the end of the most
hydraulically remote branch line, or other FFD approved location, not
more than seven (7’) feet from the finished floor.
3. Where approved and installed above a ceiling, the inspector’s test valve
must have an approved sign installed in accordance with Fire Prevention
Manual, §402.016, Fire Department Required Signage.
Effective Date: June 2006 Justin H. Beal, Fire Prevention Engineer
Current Revision Date: 1/31/2025 Section 405.013
Next Revision (1) Date: 1/31/2028 Page 2 of 3
4. When installed in combination, the inspector’s test valve and air vent
piping assembly must be installed as noted in figure 405.013(a) below:
5. All inspector’s test valves for all group “R” occupancies must be placed
in an FFD approved location which does not require entry into a dwelling
or dwelling unit to operate the valve.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
This section intentionally left blank.
PROCESS
This section intentionally left blank.
Effective Date: June 2006 Justin H. Beal, Fire Prevention Engineer
Current Revision Date: 1/31/2025 Section 405.013
Next Revision (1) Date: 1/31/2028 Page 3 of 3
INFORMATION
As noted in the CFC, the fire code official has the authority to formulate policies they
deem necessary based upon local conditions related to all automatic fire sprinkler
system installations.
Inspectors test valves installed as noted in the currently adopted version of
NFPA 13 are a more realistic and accurate test of the required alarm actuation
requirements and are a convenient method to bleed trapped air from a fire sprinkler
system.
DEFINITIONS
This section intentionally left blank.
CROSS-REFERENCES
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 13, Currently adopted edition
California Fire Code, Currently adopted edition
Fire Prevention Manual, §402.016, Fire Department Required Signage